Search PubMedSearch

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Validation Study”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

582 recordsLinked to original sources

An individualized nomogram for predicting progression-free survival in systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a multicenter, retrospective, and internally validated study.

OBJECTIVES: To develop an individualized nomogram for predicting disease progression risk in systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL). METHODS: Independent predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) were identified using Cox regression in a multicenter retrospective cohort of 109 sALCL patients (2010-2022). These were incorporated into a three-factor nomogram, evaluated via bootstrapped internal validation (1000 resamples), ROC analysis, C-index, decision curve analysis (DCA), and clinical impact curve (CIC). RESULTS: A total of 29 PFS events occurred during a median follow-up of 31 months. Multivariable modelling selected serum β2-microglobulin elevation, extranodal disease, and front-line chemotherapy choice (CHOP versus CHOPE or BV+CHP) as autonomous progression drivers. Upon internal bootstrap validation, the nomogram yielded strong prognostic accuracy, achieving AUCs of 0.81, 0.85 and 0.87 for 1-, 3- and 5-year progression-free survival, alongside a corrected C-index of 0.779 (95% CI: 0.699 - 0.861). Calibration plots showed close agreement between predicted and observed outcomes, while DCA confirmed superior net clinical benefit versus conventional IPI or Ann Arbor stratification across multiple decision thresholds. CONCLUSION: This first sALCL-specific nomogram integrates clinical and treatment variables to provide personalized PFS risk estimation. While internally validated, this exploratory, observation-based tool requires external validation and recalibration in prospective cohorts before clinical implementation.

Humans

Development and validation of a comprehensive prognostic model for 28-day ICU mortality in non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage: an analysis based on the MIMIC-IV database.

BACKGROUND: Due to the complex pathophysiology of non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), accurate risk prediction remains a challenge. Our aim is to develop and validate a comprehensive prognostic model that integrates demographic characteristics, vital signs, laboratory parameters, and more, to provide clinical decision-making support in real-world practice. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 785 Non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. The cohort was randomly divided into a training set (n = 549) and a validation set (n = 236). Feature selection was performed using LASSO regression, followed by backward stepwise Cox regression for optimization. A nomogram was constructed based on independent predictive factors, and model performance was assessed using discrimination, calibration, and decision curve analysis. To prevent immortal-time bias, all predictors were anchored to a fixed early (first-24-hour) measurement window, treatment variables were modelled as binary indicators rather than cumulative exposures, and a five-model sensitivity analysis with baseline-severity adjustment was performed. RESULTS: The development of our model followed a systematic approach: first, 15 potential predictive factors were selected via LASSO regression, which were then refined to 12 independent predictors using backward stepwise Cox regression. The final predictive factors included: Ventilation, AHT, Nimodipine 60 mg, Age, SAPS.II, Input amount, Calcium total, Platelet count, White blood cells, Anion gap, pH, and Chloride. The integrated model demonstrated excellent predictive ability for 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day mortality in both the training set (AUC: 0.972, 0.934, 0.898) and the validation set (AUC: 0.968, 0.948, 0.911). Calibration curves and decision curve analysis confirmed the model's reliability and clinical utility across different time points. We constructed a nomogram for individualized risk prediction. Univariate Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated significant stratification of survival outcomes by each predictor, while restricted cubic spline analysis revealed non-linear relationships between continuous variables and mortality risk. Random survival forest analysis identified the top three predictive factors (Nimodipine 60 mg, Ventilation, AHT) and compared them with our full 12-variable model, confirming superior performance of the integrated model at all time points. At the 28-day primary endpoint, the model achieved a time-dependent AUC of 0.898 (training) and 0.904 (validation); after restricting predictors to the early baseline window, the leakage-controlled model retained good discrimination (validation C-index 0.803). CONCLUSIONS: Our ICU 28-day mortality prognosis model demonstrated robust performance in predicting ICU 28-day mortality in non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. The model, through the nomogram, provides individualized risk assessment, aiding clinical decision-making and patient stratification.

Humans

Male accessory gland proteins in Grapholita molesta: Identification and reproductive functional validation of four accessory gland-specific lipases.

Accessory gland proteins (Acps), synthesized in the male accessory glands (AGs), are transferred to females via spermatophores during mating and elicit diverse post-mating physiological and behavioral responses. However, Acps have not been comprehensively characterized in Grapholita molesta, a cosmopolitan orchard pest. Here, using data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry, we describe an integrated proteomic approach combining comparative AG analyses (virgin vs. newly mated) with spermatophore profiling to identify Acps in G. molesta. According to the established screening criteria, we identified 83 confirmed Acps, which were classified into nine categories. Tissue-specific expression patterns of 20 randomly selected Acp genes were evaluated, revealing that these genes were specifically or highly expressed in male AGs. Among the 83 confirmed Acps, four Acps harbored the PLN02872 superfamily domain and were classified into the canonical lipase family. Notably, their transcripts were all highly expressed in the AGs during the pre-maturation stage. These four Acps were selected for preliminary validation of their male reproductive functions. RNAi-mediated knockdown of three out of four lipase genes in G. molesta males significantly decreased the fertility of mated females, with phenotypes including a significant reduction in egg production and egg hatching rate. This study provides a comprehensive catalog of high-confidence Acps, lays a foundation for subsequent in-depth functional characterization of these reproductive proteins, and offers promising molecular targets for the development of novel genetic regulation-based integrated pest management strategies.

Animals

Could the preoperative urethral curve be used to predict immediate urinary continence following Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy? A retrospective multi-center study.

PURPOSE: Immediate urinary continence (UC) recovery following Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) remains highly variable, highlighting the need for reliable preoperative prediction. We aimed to develop and validate models to identify patients likely to achieve immediate UC recovery following RS-RARP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 580 prostate cancer patients who underwent RS-RARP from four medical centers were assigned to a training set (n=348), an internal validation set (n=103) and an external validation set (n=129). Independent predictors were identified through univariate analysis and LASSO regression. A nomogram was constructed using multivariate logistic regression. Its performance was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. RESULTS: Immediate UC recovery was observed in 84.5% (294/348) of patients in the training cohort, 80.6% (83/103) in the internal validation cohort, and 81.4% (105/129) in the external validation cohort, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified membranous urethral length (MUL) (OR=1.23, P=0.029) and urethral curvature (OR=2.84, P<0.001) as independent predictors, while prostate volume (PV) (OR=0.84, P <0.001) as a protective factor. The nomogram integrating MUL, PV, and urethral curvature demonstrated superior predictive accuracy, with an AUC of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.83-0.91) in the training cohort. The bootstrap-corrected calibration slope was 0.96, and the Brier score was 0.08.&#xa0;Calibration curves and decision curve analysis confirmed the predictive accuracy and clinical utility of the nomogram. CONCLUSIONS: Our study introduces a novel quantitative method for assessing urethral curvature. The mpMRI-based model, integrating urethral curvature and prostate spatial configuration, offers enhanced predictive accuracy for postoperative immediate UC recovery.

Humans

Critical insights on the application of the theory of planned behaviour to food handlers' food safety practices.

Foodborne diseases remain a significant public health concern, often linked to unsafe food-handling practices. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) is widely used to predict and explain food safety behaviours, yet its application in this field has not been systematically and in-depth evaluated. This review evaluated how the TPB has been applied to study food handlers' behaviour, focusing on methodological approaches, use of the TACT (Target, Action, Context, and Time) framework, validity, elicitation studies, and reliability. Seventeen studies were included following a systematic search of four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, and Taylor & Francis Online). Data were extracted on behaviour definition, aim of study, main findings, use of indirect and direct TPB measures, use of elicitation studies, internal consistency, content validation, analytical methods used, and any extensions to the original TPB framework. Key elements related to adherence to core TPB principles and measurement practices were extracted using a Checklist. Most studies used direct measures of TPB constructs, and only a few reported procedures for content validation. Considerable variability was found in the reporting of key measurement and psychometric practices. Five studies fully applied the TACT framework, while nine incorporated additional factors such as knowledge and moral norms. Elicitation studies were conducted in five cases where indirect measures were employed. Analytical approaches were mainly based on multiple linear regression, with limited use of more advanced techniques such as structural equation modeling. Twelve studies reported internal consistency results. Overall, the review highlights opportunities to strengthen methodological practices in future TPB research on food safety. Greater attention to conducting and reporting content validation, full application of the TACT framework, reporting of internal consistency, and consistent inclusion of elicitation studies when using indirect measures may enhance transparency, reinforcing the credibility and trustworthiness of research findings. A major methodological limitation of this review was that screening and data extraction were conducted by a single reviewer and no formal quality or risk-of-bias assessment of the included studies was performed. Despite these limitations, the findings provide practical guidance for the development and validation of TPB-based questionnaires and may support more robust food safety research, interventions, and policy initiatives aimed at improving food handlers' practices.

Humans

Data-centric, robust, and explainable multimodal deep learning for clinical decision support: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Multimodal deep learning is increasingly proposed for clinical decision support (CDS) under a "data-centric" framing that prioritizes label quality, missing-modality robustness, distribution shift, calibration, and explainability. Prior reviews have examined multimodal medical AI, CDS, and data-centric methods separately, but none address their intersection. We mapped the modalities, fusion strategies, and data-centric and explainability techniques used in this recent literature, quantified how often each is implemented rather than merely mentioned, assessed deployment-relevant evidence (external validation, clinical-outcome measurement, equity), and formally appraised study-level risk of bias. METHODS: Following the PRISMA 2020 statement (PROSPERO CRD420261427815; registered retrospectively), we screened 150 records and included primary, clinical, multimodal studies that applied machine or deep learning to a decision-support task and reported at least one quantitative result. Two reviewers screened and extracted data with consensus adjudication. Each study was coded against pre-specified operational definitions, separating implemented or empirically evaluated techniques from those only mentioned. Study-level risk of bias was assessed with PROBAST + AI. Synthesis was narrative. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies met inclusion; 30 (97%) were published between 2024 and 2026, with a median of three modalities (range 2-6), most commonly structured EHR (71%) and imaging (39%). Data-centric techniques were frequently reported (74-84% across label-noise, distribution-shift, calibration, missing-modality and class-imbalance handling; equity 61%). However, external validation was reported in only 4/31 studies (13%), a clinical or provider outcome in 3/31 (10%), and no study reported routine deployment. Overall risk of bias was high in 27/31 studies (87%), driven by the analysis domain. CONCLUSION: Within this recent, self-selected slice of the field, technical robustness and explainability techniques are widely reported but rarely validated out-of-distribution or against clinical outcomes, and the underlying evidence is at high risk of bias. Progress requires external multi-site validation, clinical-outcome measurement, formal bias appraisal, and adherence to AI reporting standards (e.g., TRIPOD + AI) before deployment can be justified.

Deep Learning

Beyond predictive performance: A systematic review and critical methodological appraisal of AI/ML and conventional modelling strategies in breast, colorectal, and pancreatic Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Predictive modelling for cancer risk, treatment-related complications, and survival is central to precision oncology. Conventional logistic regression (LR) and Cox proportional hazards (CoxPH) regression remain widely used but are limited when modelling nonlinear interactions, high-dimensional imaging features, and multimodal clinical-metabolic predictors. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods offer expanded capability through automated feature extraction, ensemble learning, and flexible survival modelling, but the evidence on when AI/ML adds value over conventional models across cancer sites and predictive tasks remains fragmented. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the methodological performance, validation strategies, and translational limitations of AI/ML models compared with conventional statistical models in published predictive-modelling studies for breast, colorectal, or pancreatic cancer. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published between January 2019 and March 2025. Two reviewers independently conducted title-and-abstract screening, full-text eligibility assessment, and PROBAST risk-of-bias assessment. Sixty-five studies (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;907,567 participants) were narratively synthesised by cancer site, predictive task, model family, comparator, validation strategy, predictor modality, and calibration or explainability reporting. RESULTS: The 65 studies comprised breast cancer (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;35), colorectal cancer (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;21), and pancreatic cancer (n&#xa0;=&#xa0;9). AI/ML superiority over LR and CoxPH was task- and data-dependent. CNN- and U-Net-based models predominated in imaging and body-composition tasks, tree-based ensembles consistently outperformed LR for tabular perioperative complication prediction, and CoxPH remained competitive, and in the largest pancreatic risk study, superior to XGBoost (C-index 0.802 vs 0.723) in well-structured datasets. PROBAST analysis-domain risk was moderate in 54 of 65 studies (83%), driven by limited external validation, sparse calibration reporting (11/65), and few decision-curve analyses (7/65). CONCLUSION: AI/ML adds the most methodological value in imaging-derived feature extraction and nonlinear perioperative prediction, while conventional regression remains preferable in large, structured datasets with linear predictors. Clinical translation requires standardised body-composition definitions, external validation, calibration assessment, decision-curve analysis, and explainability, in line with TRIPOD+AI and CLAIM standards.

Humans

Diagnostic performance of machine learning models for malignant and non-malignant pleural effusion: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Accurately distinguishing malignant pleural effusion (MPE) from non-malignant pleural effusion is clinically important, but the generalisability and methodological quality of machine-learning (ML) models remain uncertain. METHODS: We searched eight databases to 23 April 2026. Diagnostic performance was pooled using random-effects and Reitsma bivariate models, and study quality was assessed using PROBAST+AI. RESULTS: Forty-two studies were included; 17 contributed to the AUC meta-analysis and 14 to the bivariate analysis. The pooled AUC was 0.90 (95&#xa0;% CI 0.85-0.94; 95&#xa0;% prediction interval 0.62-0.98), with sensitivity of 0.80 (95&#xa0;% CI 0.77-0.83) and specificity of 0.87 (95&#xa0;% CI 0.79-0.92). Only nine studies reported external, temporal or independent validation. Externally validated studies had a lower pooled AUC than studies without external validation (0.83 vs 0.92), with lower specificity observed in the two externally validated studies contributing sensitivity and specificity data. All 42 development assessments had high overall quality concerns, and all 42 model evaluations were judged at high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: ML models showed good apparent accuracy for distinguishing MPE from non-MPE, but the evidence was limited by substantial heterogeneity, high risk of bias and scarce external validation. The pooled estimates reflect the average performance of different selected models rather than the expected accuracy of a single clinical test. ML models should be regarded as adjuncts to existing diagnostic pathways until they are confirmed by rigorous multicentre prospective external validation and clinical-impact studies.

Humans

Patient-reported outcome measures for depression or anxiety symptoms in patients with cardiovascular disease: A COSMIN systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are common in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the measurement quality of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used in this population remains unclear. This review aimed to evaluate the methodological quality, measurement properties, and certainty of evidence for depression and anxiety PROMs in adults with CVD and to inform instrument selection. METHODS: Following COSMIN and PRISMA guidance, four databases were searched from inception to February 2026. Studies assessing measurement properties of PROMs in adults with CVD were included. Methodological quality was evaluated using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist, and certainty of evidence was graded using an adapted GRADE approach. RESULTS: Sixty-six studies assessing 38 PROMs were included, comprising 29 generic and 9 CVD-specific instruments. Six PROMs met COSMIN Category A criteria: Cardiac Depression Scale-Short Form, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Major Depression Inventory. Four instruments were classified as Category C because of insufficient structural validity. Content-validity evidence was largely indeterminate or of limited certainty. Only 24 studies used confirmatory factor analysis or Rasch analysis, and no study assessed measurement error or responsiveness. Cross-cultural validity evidence was scarce. CONCLUSIONS: Six PROMs met Category A criteria, but selection should remain purpose- and context-specific. Particular attention should be given to somatic symptom overlap and intended clinical use. Further validation should prioritize content validity, measurement invariance, responsiveness, measurement error, and clinimetric performance.

Humans

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial of self-directed online writing interventions for posttraumatic stress symptoms in a real-world digital setting.

Background: Public health and other large-scale crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have intensified the global mental health burden, creating unprecedented demand for accessible interventions for posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS).Objective: We evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of two self-directed online writing interventions embedded within China's WeChat ecosystem during the COVID-19 pandemic through a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.Methods: Between December 2021 and August 2022, 1,526 adults were screened for PTSS via a Tencent Medinfo Mini-Program. Eligible participants (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;211) were randomised to Guided Narrative Technique-Writing (GNT-W, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;100) or Expressive Writing (EW, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;111). Both interventions comprised three self-directed daily writing sessions delivered entirely online without human support. Primary outcome was PTSD symptom severity (PTSD Checklist-Short), assessed at baseline, post-intervention, 2-week, and 1-month follow-ups.Results: While initial engagement followed typical digital health patterns (64.5% overall attrition), participants who initiated treatment showed strong adherence (77% completion). Both interventions were associated with significant within-group reductions in PTSS severity (GNT-W: b&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.43, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;.023, d&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.43; EW: b&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.60, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;.001, d&#x2009;=&#x2009;-0.58), with no significant between-group difference (group &#xd7; time: b&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.18, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;.48). GNT-W did not confer additional benefit over EW protocol on PTSS severity.Conclusions: Both self-directed writing interventions were associated with within-group reductions in PTSS; without an inactive control condition, however, these changes cannot be firmly attributed to the interventions. GNT-W showed no advantage over the simpler EW protocol. These findings offer preliminary support for embedding scalable, low-barrier writing interventions in widely used digital platforms.Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000034836.

Humans

Applications of quantum AI in brain disorder diagnosis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Brain disorder diagnosis and prediction remain challenging because neuroimaging, electrophysiological, behavioral, and multimodal data are high-dimensional, noisy, heterogeneous, and limited by small clinical cohorts. This systematic review synthesised applications of quantum artificial intelligence (QAI) for brain disorder diagnosis, prediction, detection, and monitoring. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, studies published from 2016 to 13 January 2026 were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore. After screening, 36 studies met the eligibility criteria and were qualitatively analysed according to disorder category, data modality, QAI method, implementation setting, validation strategy, and performance. RESULTS: At the broader disease-group level, neurodegenerative disorders were the most frequently investigated, followed by mental health and psychiatric disorders. At the individual level, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia were the leading applications, followed by depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, and stress-related tasks. MRI-based modalities were the most frequently used data source, followed by multimodal data and EEG. Methodologically, primary QAI approaches were dominated by quantum neural and QDL architectures, followed by quantum-inspired optimization or feature-selection methods and quantum-kernel/conventional QML classifiers. Qiskit/IBM Quantum and PennyLane were the most frequently reported quantum software frameworks. However, most studies relied on simulators, classical quantum-inspired implementations, or unclear implementation settings, with limited real-hardware evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: QAI shows emerging potential for brain disorder analysis, particularly through hybrid quantum-classical learning, quantum neural architectures, quantum-kernel methods, and quantum-inspired optimization. Nevertheless, current evidence remains preliminary and requires larger datasets, subject-level and external validation, fair classical benchmarking, noise-resilient circuits, real quantum hardware evaluation, explainability, and clinical validation.

Humans

PGR expression as a pharmacogenomic companion biomarker to GENE70-derived genomic risk in ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The biology of the estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancers is heterogeneous even when they are categorized by their risk via genomics. Transcriptomic PGR expression reflects endocrine pathway activity and may provide complementary biological information within established GENE70-derived genomic-risk categories. Whether this molecular marker improves the biological interpretation of genomic-risk stratification beyond conventional clinicopathological assessment remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether transcriptomic PGR expression provides complementary biological and prognostic information within reconstructed GENE70-derived genomic-risk categories and refines the characterization of endocrine-related tumour biology in ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer. METHODS: This study analysed publicly available transcriptomic and clinical data from three cohorts: METABRIC (discovery cohort), GSE96058/SCAN-B cohort (validation cohort) and TCGA-BRCA cohort (molecular validation cohort). The GENE70-derived genomic-risk score was reconstructed for each cohort using matched genes. Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis and subgroup comparisons were used to assess relationships between PGR expression, clinicopathologic variables, molecular features and survival outcomes. RESULTS: Across the three independent cohorts, low transcriptomic PGR expression was consistently associated with higher GENE70-derived genomic risk, increased MKI67 expression, reduced ESR1 expression and enrichment of the Luminal B subtype. Survival findings differed between cohorts. In the discovery METABRIC cohort, transcriptomic PGR expression showed heterogeneous associations with survival, particularly within GENE70-derived high-risk subgroups, whereas the external GSE96058/SCAN-B validation cohort demonstrated consistent associations between low PGR expression and poorer overall survival in both the overall ER-positive/HER2-negative population and GENE70-derived high-risk subgroups. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that transcriptomic PGR provides complementary biological and prognostic information within GENE70-derived genomic-risk categories. However, because treatment response was not evaluated in the present study, the findings should not be interpreted as evidence of predictive or pharmacogenomic utility and prospective studies incorporating treatment-response analyses are required before such applications can be established.

Humans

From host response to genomic targets: electrochemical biosensing of tuberculosis biomarkers.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading causes of death from a single infectious agent worldwide, with timely diagnosis continuing to be a major challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings. Conventional TB diagnostic methods are limited by low sensitivity, long turnaround times, and an inability to reliably differentiate latent from active disease. Biomarker-based diagnostic strategies have therefore gained increasing attention as they offer the potential to improve early detection, disease differentiation, and treatment monitoring. Herein, we examine electrochemical biosensing strategies for TB diagnostics using a biomarker-class-driven framework, covering host-response biomarkers (IFN-&#x3b3; and TNF-&#x3b1;), pathogen-derived antigens (ESAT6, CFP10, CFP10-ESAT6, MPT64, Ag85, HspX and LpqH), cell-wall signatures and whole-cell markers (LAM and whole cell Mtb), and genomic markers (Mtb DNA and IS6110). Through structured comparison of recognition elements, biointerface designs, signal amplification strategies, electrochemical techniques, matrices, and validation levels, this review identifies the most promising technical approaches for different TB biomarker classes. It further highlights key translational bottlenecks, including limited clinical validation, buffer-based testing, complex multistep amplification, redox-probe dependence, matrix fouling, and insufficient evidence of manufacturability. This review therefore provides practical guidance for developing electrochemical TB biosensors that are analytically sensitive, clinically relevant, and suitable for decentralized diagnostic applications.

Biosensing Techniques

Correlative analysis of endogenous miRNA expression profiles underlying brown planthopper adaptation to resistant rice.

The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens St&#xe5;l, BPH) is a major insect pest threatening global rice production. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptation of BPH populations with different virulence levels to resistant rice cultivars remain poorly understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as key post-transcriptional regulators, play critical roles in host adaptation in herbivorous insects. In this study, we analyzed the miRNA expression profiles of a high-virulent population (IR56p) and a low-virulence population (TN1p) after feeding on susceptible (TN1) and resistant (IR56) rice cultivars. Our findings reveal distinct miRNA-mediated regulatory strategies employed by the two populations. The IR56p population showed downregulation of miRNAs including miR-10, miR-124, and miR-316, showing an inverse correlation with increased expression of predicted target genes involved in detoxification (carboxylesterase, UDP-glycosyltransferase) and effector function (calmodulin). In contrast, several miRNAs highly expressed in IR56p, including miR-307, miR-317, and miR-275, were predicted to target rice genes associated with hormone signaling, cell wall biosynthesis, and oxidative homeostasis, suggesting a possible but unproven inter-species regulatory role that requires functional validation. Collectively, these descriptive and correlative findings provide hypothesis generating insights into insect-plant coevolution and identifies candidate molecular targets for future functional validation and RNA interference-based pest management strategies.

Animals

Cross-tissue multi-omics integration highlights BPHL and mitochondrial targets in Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet specific molecular targets remain to be fully characterized. METHODS: A summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) framework integrated AD genome-wide association study (GWAS) statistics (39,918 cases) with blood DNA methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTL), gene expression (eQTL), and protein (pQTL) data for 1136 mitochondria-related genes. Associations were assessed using Bayesian colocalization and HEIDI testing. Tissue relevance was evaluated in four brain regions (hippocampus, amygdala, cortex, frontal cortex) using GTEx and external transcriptomic datasets. RESULTS: Screening identified eight candidates supported across blood mQTL and eQTL layers. Stepwise central nervous system (CNS) evaluation singled out biphenyl hydrolase-like (BPHL) as the consistent candidate. Higher genetically predicted BPHL expression was associated with reduced AD risk across the hippocampus (OR=0.920, 95% CI 0.873-0.970), amygdala (OR=0.925, 95%CI 0.880-0.973), cortex (OR=0.943, 95% CI 0.908-0.978), and frontal cortex (OR=0.938, 95%CI 0.901-0.976). These findings aligned with protein-protein interactions connecting BPHL to respiratory complexes and lower BPHL expression in independent AD brains. Functional enrichment converged on oxidative phosphorylation pathways. CONCLUSIONS: By integrating multi-omics data with tissue-specific validation, this study nominates BPHL as a consistent protective candidate in the brain. These findings provide genetic support for mitochondrial molecular perturbations in AD, offering insights for future validation.

Alzheimer Disease

Artificial intelligence for dental caries detection: An umbrella review.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been proposed as a tool to improve dental caries detection across imaging modalities; however, its clinical value remains uncertain. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize and critically appraise systematic reviews evaluating AI for caries detection and diagnosis. An umbrella review was conducted following PRIOR guidance (PROSPERO CRD420261340728). Searches were performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to 15 March 2026. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR 2, and overlap of primary studies was quantified using the corrected covered area (CCA). Seventeen systematic reviews were included, of which five reported diagnostic test accuracy meta-analyses using bivariate or HSROC models. Across these meta-analyses, pooled sensitivity ranged from 0.76 to 0.94 and specificity from 0.85 to 0.91. Most systems were based on deep learning models applied to bitewing radiographs and intraoral photographs. However, substantial heterogeneity was observed in imaging modalities, lesion thresholds, analytical tasks, and evaluation metrics. In addition, a high degree of overlap across reviews and recurrent methodological limitations, including reliance on retrospective datasets, limited external validation, and inconsistent reporting, substantially weaken the reliability of the evidence. Although AI models demonstrate high diagnostic performance under experimental conditions, current evidence does not support their use as stand-alone diagnostic tools. Their clinical applicability remains limited, and implementation should be restricted to decision-support contexts until robust prospective validation demonstrates meaningful impact on clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

Dental Caries

Bioactive peptides for meat quality and preservation: Integrating peptidomics and computational screening.

Bioactive peptides generated from meat proteins, fermented meat products, and slaughter by-products have attracted increasing attention as functional molecules for improving meat quality and preservation. In meat systems, peptides can be produced through endogenous postmortem proteolysis, microbial fermentation, gastrointestinal digestion, or controlled enzymatic hydrolysis of underutilized animal by-products. These peptides are closely associated with key meat science endpoints, including postmortem tenderization, oxidative stability, color retention, flavor development, microbial inhibition, and the valorization of processing by-products. However, although high-resolution peptidomics has greatly expanded the identification of meat-derived peptide sequences, their translation into practical meat applications remains limited by matrix interactions, processing stability, sensory constraints, safety concerns, and insufficient validation in real meat systems. This review synthesizes recent advances in meat-related peptidomics and computational screening, including sequence-based prediction, machine learning, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, stability assessment, and safety-oriented filtering. Particular attention is given to how these approaches can prioritize peptides with antioxidant, antimicrobial, flavor-modulating, and preservation-related functions under meat-specific technological constraints. By integrating peptide generation pathways, mass spectrometry-based identification, in silico prioritization, and meat quality endpoints, this review proposes a stage-gated framework for translating meat-derived bioactive peptides from discovery to application. Future research should strengthen matrix-specific validation, standardized peptidomic reporting, and safety assessment to support the use of bioactive peptides in meat quality improvement, clean-label preservation, and circular utilization of meat industry by-products.

Animals

Exploratory identification and cellular functional characterization of ppiabl as a candidate gene associated with growth traits in Paralichthys olivaceus.

The Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is an important mariculture species. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying its growth traits remain poorly understood. To explore the genetic basis of growth variation, whole-genome resequencing was performed in a cultured cohort of 60 individuals, followed by exploratory genome-wide association analysis and candidate-gene prioritization. The results revealed heritability estimates of 0.40 for body weight and 0.24 for body length, with substantial overlap in associated loci between the two traits. Exploratory association and variant-annotation analyses prioritized ppiabl, which carries a nonconservative missense variant, as a candidate gene for further investigation. Tissue expression analysis showed that ppiabl was highly expressed in muscle tissue. This gene encodes a protein belonging to the conserved peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase family. In Japanese flounder primary muscle cells, ppiabl knockdown was associated with altered expression of growth-related genes and an increased G1-phase fraction, whereas overexpression produced changes in the opposite direction. In line with this, fast-growing individuals were found to have significantly larger muscle fiber areas than slow-growing ones. These findings suggest that ppiabl may be involved in muscle-related cellular processes associated with growth variation in Japanese flounder, although its contribution to whole-animal growth requires further validation. Overall, this exploratory study prioritizes ppiabl as a candidate gene potentially associated with growth-related cellular processes in Japanese flounder, although validation in larger independent populations and in vivo models is required.

Animals